1[A psalm by Asaph.] O God, the nations have invaded the land that belongs to you. They have dishonored your holy temple. They have left Jerusalem in ruins.

2They have given the dead bodies of your servants to the birds for food. They have given the flesh of your godly ones to the animals.

3They have shed the blood of your people around Jerusalem as though it were water. There is no one to bury your people.

4We have become a disgrace to our neighbors, an object of ridicule and contempt to those around us.

5How long, O LORD? Will you remain angry forever? Will your fury continue to burn like fire?

6Pour your fury on the nations that do not know you, on the kingdoms that have not called you.

7They have devoured Jacob. They have destroyed his home.

8Do not hold the crimes of our ancestors against us. Reach out to us soon with your compassion, because we are helpless.

9Help us, O God, our savior, for the glory of your name. Rescue us, and forgive our sins for the honor of your name.

10Why should the nations [be allowed to] say, "Where is their God?" Let us watch as the nations learn that there is punishment for shedding the blood of your servants.

11Let the groans of prisoners come into your presence. With your powerful arm rescue those who are condemned to death.

12Pay each one of our neighbors back with seven times the number of insults they used to insult you, O Lord.

13Then we, your people, the flock in your pasture, will give thanks to you forever. We will praise you throughout every generation.